intressist

Intressist is a term used in some online discussions and niche scholarly work to describe a person who studies, designs, and cultivates audience interest and engagement. The word is a neologism and does not have a single, formal definition; its meaning can vary by context but generally centers on understanding what makes topics compelling and how to sustain attention without compromising accuracy.

Etymology and scope are informal. The word appears to combine interest with the agentive suffix -ist, suggesting a practitioner who actively analyzes or creates around what captures curiosity. Because it is not codified in major dictionaries or standard curricula, intressist is most often encountered in discussions about media design, education, and public communication rather than as an established discipline.

Roles and practices attributed to intressists include applying principles from cognitive psychology, pedagogy, user experience, and narrative design to structure content, pacing, and feedback. The aim is to balance informative value with engagement, producing experiences that are both meaningful and accessible. Ethical considerations, such as avoiding manipulation and maintaining trust, are frequently noted as essential components of responsible intressist work.

Relationship to related terms varies. Some see intressist as a descriptive label for engagement-focused work (akin to engagement designer, information designer, or learning designer), while others treat it as a pejorative shorthand for sensationalism or pandering. Because the term is emergent and informal, its use tends to be contextual, and there is no formal body of standards or certification associated with it.